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12,000 join race to memorialize Israel’s fallen Druze soldiers
Israel’s minister of defense and IDF chief of staff among event participants
Lavi Forest, Israel (Sept. 22, 2023) – In honor of fallen Druze soldiers who lost their lives fighting in Israel’s wars and military operations, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, were among 12,000+ Israelis (including 6,000 IDF soldiers) who participated in the 9th Unity Race.
The event was initiated by the association “Bishvil Habanim” and sponsored by Friends of the IDF (FIDF), AFIS, Ha’aguda Lema’an Hachayal, the host council (Lower Galilee Regional Council, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Culture and Sports) and the Druze Beit Labanim. The goal was to showcase the contributions of the Druze community to Israeli society, to stimulate a multicultural discourse and create connections between the different communities in Israel.
Starting in the Lavi Forest in the Lower Galilee near Nabi Shu'ayb (the most sacred site to Druze), the race included 10k and 5k runs as well as a 3k public walk and a 25k bike ride.
The founder of the event, Brigadier General (res.) Amal Asad, invited the general public to take part: “In the days of division and rift in our nation, this event, which is an active commemoration project in memory of the fallen Druze fighters, is a unifying event and holds a great value to the entire society in Israel. Especially during this period, I call on the people of Israel to come to a show of solidarity, to express sympathy and support for the members of the bereaved families and to get to know the members of the Druze community and their ways of life."
During the event, thousands of visitors enjoyed traditional Druze cuisine, and took part in sports and other activities organized for participants of all ages. At the culmination of the race, there was a festive ceremony attended by families of bereaved soldiers and senior officers from the security forces.
“FIDF is proud to take part in this meaningful yearly event held in remembrance of 492 fallen Druze soldiers who lost their lives while defending the state of Israel,” said General (Res.) Yehiel Gozal, FIDF executive director, Israel operations. “Druze soldiers are a critical part of the IDF, and we support those serving in all units, offering a range of programs and services to ensure their needs are met.”
The Druze religious community is spread mainly across Israel, Lebanon and Syria. Israel’s Druze population numbers about 150,000 with most members proudly serving in the IDF and security forces.
In recognition of the community’s longstanding and ongoing service to the safety and security of Israel, FIDF — in partnership with the Ministry of Defense and thanks to a donation from Haim and Cheryl Saban — is funding a 25,000-square-foot Druze Heritage Center in the town of Kisra-Sumei (northern Galilee), which will house a wealth of resources for the Druze community, including youth, active-duty soldiers and veterans. It will include, among other things, courses for active-duty soldiers and accommodations for the length of the courses, a conference hall, a heritage room, a large backyard for activities and events and a venue for preparation for IDF service.
Released soldiers will be able to take advantage of the academic preparation courses provided at the center, ensuring that they can fulfill their dreams of higher education. They can also visit the center for gatherings of reserve units, meetings for groups of released soldiers and employment fairs.
